- Artist Statement -

For this series I am exploring the idea of the transformation of energy between things living and non-living; energy doesn’t die but changes form as it travels from object to object. All things are made of energy, from the atoms that make us to the atoms that make water. Copper is a popular conductor for electricity, therefore the bridge that allows energy to travel. In my work I want to display this theory and our connection with energy that travels not only through other living things but elements as well, in this case copper.

Copper is a significant metal to the development and evolution of humans. Having been in use for the past 11,000 years, copper and its alloys brass and bronze have been used in array of objects; from our primitive weapons to our most cherished historical sculptures. Copper is affected by the earth’s elements causing it to patina and oxidize. In its pure state copper is too soft for most uses until mixed with other metals. Much like a naïve child, soft to the world until strengthened by life experiences. Though romanticized to be resistant to corrosion from life’s experiences, we are all corroded, further developing our individual human condition.

This series consists of intimate oil medium portraits exploring the personalities of 4 unique individuals. I feel every portrait painting is a presentation of the human condition. No two individuals are alike; just as our personalities differ so do our genetic blueprints. Each portrait will be divided into multiple wood panels to illustrate the subject’s unique structure, and will be displayed to make one energetically unified composition. Copper will be incorporated into each painting as if to become one with the individual, corroded or polished with life’s experiences.